September
Operating Fund |
2011 Actual |
2011 Budget |
2011 Variance |
| |
----------------- |
------------------ |
---------------------- |
| Total Income: |
$
1,138,752 |
$
1,126,463
|
|
| Total Expenses: |
$
1,024,205
|
$ 1,068,938 |
|
| |
----------------- |
------------------ |
---------------------- |
| Net Income/Loss: |
$ 114,547
|
$ 57,525 |
|
| Beg. Fund Bal. - 1/1/11 |
$ 47,060 |
|
| Transfer Surplus to Reserves |
(47,060) |
|
|
| Fund Bal. - 9/30/11 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
September
Reserve Fund |
2011 Actual |
|
|
| |
----------------- |
|
|
| Total Income: |
$
181,685
|
|
|
| Total Expenses: |
$ 186,545 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Net Income/Loss |
$ (4,860) |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Beg. Fund Bal. - 1/1/11 |
$
689,608
|
|
| Transfer Surplus to Reserves |
47,060 |
|
|
| |
----------------- |
|
|
| Fund Bal. - 9/30/11 |
|
|
|
Mr. Avila answered questions from the Board about the Financial Statement. After discussion, Mr. Tennen made the motion to approve the September 2011 Financial Statement. The motion was seconded by Mr. Siegler and was unanimously approved by the Board. Copies of the Financial Statements are available to Association Members, upon request.
Pool Committee Report
Committee Co-Chair Gita Amar Vizzie was present to represent the Committee during further discussions about the Association establishing a photo ID system to combat non-residents gaining access into the Recreation Facilities.
Recommended Photo Identification Card System
Board member and Technology Committee Chair John Siegler reported on his review of the cost estimates and systems information that the Pool Committee obtained for various photo identification card systems. Mr. Siegler reported that, should the Board decide to implement a photo ID system, he recommends that the AlphaCard Magicard Rio Pro Duo ID Dual Sided Printer System be purchased for approximately $3,000. The system would supplement, not take the place of, the existing Key Fob system.
* Treasurer Ed Gold arrived at the Board meeting at this time.
There was then discussion about why can’t State issued driver’s licenses and/or ID cards be used rather than purchasing a new system, as well as about whether there was a need for a photo ID rule. A discussion took place, with Board members, Committee members, and homeowners in attendance expressing differing opinions about whether such a rule is necessary.
After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Mintz made the motion to authorize the purchase and implementation of the AlphaCard Magicard Rio Pro Duo ID Dual Sided Printer System, as noted on page P17 of the Board Pack, subject to the proposed new photo ID rule being promulgated and adopted by the Board, and to disseminate the proposed new photo ID rule to the community for the required 30-day comment period. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gold and was followed by further discussion by the Board.
After further discussion, Mr. Mintz amended his motion to promulgate the proposed new photo ID rule to the community for the 30-day comment period, and to budget the purchase of the system for 2012, should the rule be adopted. The proposed new photo ID rule is as follows:
“Bel Air Ridge residents will be asked to present a photo identification for admittance to all Bel Air Ridge Recreation Facilities. Driver’s licenses or other State issued photo identification with a Bel Air Ridge address will be acceptable for presentation if a Bel Air Ridge resident forgets his/her identification.”
The motion was seconded by Mr. Gold and was approved by the Board with the following vote; Ayes: Gold, Mintz, Tenenbaum, Tennen; Nays: Siegler, Weingart.
Request to Start Summer Pool Attendant Earlier in 2012
The Pool Committee requested that the Board approve starting the summer Pool Attendant position earlier in 2012, the week before Memorial Day, rather than the middle of June as in the past. The Board said it would discuss the request when the 2012 Operating Budget is discussed, as it involves an expense.
DWP - Stone Canyon Committee Report
Committee Co-Chair Andre Stojka reported that the final Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) for the Stone Canyon Reservoir cover project would be completed by December 2011, with the DWP Board voting on it in January 2012. The expected construction start date, regardless of the chosen cover alternative, is 2016 with completion estimated for 2023. The DWP Board will be voting on the final EIR for the Elysian Park Reservoir cover project on November 15th. That EIR states that the floating cover is considered the environmentally superior alternative.
Mr. Stojka also reported that the next meetings of the Fire Safe Council, which was discussed a couple of Board meetings ago, will be on November 1st and November 30th. He is notifying the others who volunteered to represent Bel Air Ridge, so they can attend to learn more about the program.
Neighborhood Council Report
Association Neighborhood Council representative Andre Stojka reported that there was no Neighborhood Council about which to report.
Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee (“EPAC”) Report
Chair Ron Cornell reported on EPAC’s October 10, 2011 meeting, at which it continued to plan
for its November 6th Fire Extinguisher Round Up Event.
Mr. Cornell also responded to the question about the $500 cost of guest speaker honorariums that was requested as part of the Committee’s 2012 budget. Mr. Cornell explained that EPAC has always paid guest speaker honorariums, but it has not been its own budget line item in the past. Although the honorariums will be kept as low as possible, the Committee feels it should budget for unexpected increases. The Board was satisfied with the explanation and said the $500 would be handled as part of the upcoming budgetary process.
Finance Committee Report
Committee Chair Ed Gold reported on the Committee’s October 20, 2011 meeting, at which among other things, it reviewed the first draft of the 2012 Operating Budget, as well as the first draft of the Reserve Study Update, as prepared by Reserve Studies, Inc. (“RSI”).
Review First Draft of Reserve Study Update
The Board reviewed and discussed the first draft of the Reserve Study Update, as prepared by RSI. Mr. Avila reported that, after his review of the document, he has some notes and revisions to go over with RSI that will change the percentage-funded level amounts. The Board will review the final draft of the Reserve Study Update at its November meeting.
Review First Draft of 2012 Operating Budget
The Board reviewed and discussed the first draft of the 2012 Operating Budget (“Budget”) as reviewed by the Finance Committee. Mr. Avila pointed out that the first draft of the Budget would be “fine-tuned” in early November as more up to date financial data becomes available from the October financial statements. The draft Budget does not call for an increase in the monthly assessments (Homeowners Dues). Mr. Avila also asked the Board questions, and the Board had discussions, that steered finalizing the Budget. The Board will review the final draft of the 2012 Operating Budget at its November meeting.
Review Engagement Letter for 2011 Audit and Tax Returns
The Board was presented with an Engagement Letter from the Association’s accounting firm, Hutchinson & Bloodgood, LLP (“H&B”), to perform the Association’s upcoming 2011 Annual Audit and Tax Returns for $11,900. Mr. Gold made the motion to accept and approve H&B’s Engagement Letter. The motion was seconded by Mr. Siegler and was unanimously approved by the Board.
Capital Improvement Construction (“CIC”) Committee Report
Mr. Avila gave a status report on the pending Clubhouse First Floor Renovation Project.
Status of Clubhouse First Floor Renovation Project
Mr. Avila reported that the Project is progressing well, is currently in the framing stage, and that the contractor is doing a good job.
Tennis Committee Report
The Board reviewed the minutes of the Committee’s October 11, 2011 meeting, at which it discussed its next tennis event, which is scheduled for November 13th. The Committee also announced the creation of its own website, www.BelAirRidgeTennis.com, in an effort to communicate better with Association Members and to publicize tennis events. It was reported that the Junior Clinics are a success with participation in other clinics varying each week. Courts 1 and 2 were recently resurfaced, with Courts 3 and 4 scheduled for next year.
The Board had a lengthy discussion with Tennis Committee members in attendance about its need to do more to promote tennis in the community. The Committee has made some progress. The Board requested that the Committee give monthly reports detailing its efforts.
Architectural & Landscaping Committee (“ALC”) Report
ALC member Ed Gold reported on the ALC’s October 17, 2011 meeting, at which it approved four (4) of six (6) property improvement requests. The remaining two (2) requests had certain elements of the requests approved while other elements were disapproved. The ALC also reviewed a matter involving a property improvement being completed in conflict with the ALC-approved plans. The homeowner is being required to bring the improvement into compliance with the ALC-approved plans.
The ALC also revisited its prior decision on whether to change the long-standing tradition of planting red poinsettias in front of the Fitness Center and Claray Clubhouse during the holiday season. The ALC decided to continue the tradition - red poinsettias will continue to be planted.
Security Committee Report
Security Committee Chair Harold Tennen reported on the number and types of security incidents that took place in the community from September 19, 2011 to October 16, 2011: 18 false burglar alarms, 52 unattended open garage doors, 1 noise disturbance, 10 resident assistance calls, 1 Association rules violation, 9 suspicious persons / vehicles / activities, 35 parking enforcement issues, 1 back up assistance needed outside of the Association, 3 solicitors, 1 public intoxication, 3 medical emergencies, 1 dog off leash, and 2 grand theft autos.
Mr. Tennen also reported on the Committee’s October 19, 2011 meeting, at which it discussed the increase in security incidents in the community. The Committee discussed ways to increase security coverage including the possible use of an undercover police officer or an additional security patrol. However, this is cost-prohibitive. It was also suggested that maybe the City would install signs and/or traffic signals in certain areas to limit the flow of non-resident traffic through the community. There was also a suggestion to have surveillance cameras installed in the community. Mr. Avila was asked to get a cost estimate from ACS Security, and Security Committee member Sharon Kopman said she would obtain a proposal, as well.
Review Proposal for Utility Audit Services
Mr. Avila presented the Board with a proposal from Pacific Utility Audit, Inc. (“PUA”) to provide utility auditing services. PUA would audit all of the Association’s water, sewer, gas, electricity, telephone, and trash bills to determine if the Association is being over charged, if the Association is due a refund as a result being over charged, and/or if the Association may be able to obtain rate reductions. PUA works on a contingency basis and is only paid if it obtains a refund for the Association, and/or if it is able to get the Association rate reductions. PUA’s fees are 50% of any refund obtained for being over charged and 50% of any savings the Association actually realizes from rate reductions. After discussion, Mr. Mintz made the motion to retain the services of PUA for utility audit services. The motion was seconded by Mr. Siegler and was unanimously approved by the Board.
Status of CC&Rs Amendment/Restatement Project
Mr. Avila reported that sixty-eight (68) ballots have been received from the Membership vote on the proposed new Restated CC&Rs to date. Board members said they would contact their neighbors to encourage them to submit their ballots.
Continued Discussion Regarding Bel Air Preschool Issue
The Board had continued discussions about the matter involving Rabbi Mentz, who owns a house just outside of the Association at 2851 Nicada Drive, advertising that he is going run a preschool out of the house. Mr. Avila reported that the Association’s law firm obtained a copy of the application that Rabbi Mentz submitted in order to obtain a State day care license, and presented it to the Board. Upon review, some Board members felt Rabbi Mentz made some misrepresentations in the application.
Mr. Tennen again reported speaking with Rabbi Mentz, who said he only has two (2) or three (3) children enrolled in his day care, that the license from the State allows him to run a day care facility out of the house with no more than eight (8) children, and that he does not plan to do anything different. It was again noted that a “preschool” is being advertised, not a “day care.” A discussion ensued with some Board members and some homeowners in attendance expressing concern that the operation would increase vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the community.
After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Tenenbaum suggested that he and Mr. Tennen meet with Rabbi Mentz to see if the matter can be resolved by perhaps him agreeing to move the day care to his residence in the Bel Air Glen Homeowners Association. Mr. Tennen and the Board agreed, and the matter was continued to the next Board meeting.
Adjournment
The regular Board of Directors meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. An Executive Session of
the Board of Directors followed to discuss the following matters:
Executive Session – October 25, 2011 - General Notes
The Executive Session was called to order at 10:00 p.m.
The Board held a Member discipline hearing regarding a CC&Rs violation.
The Board held another Member discipline hearing regarding a CC&Rs violation.
The Board held a Member discipline hearing regarding delinquent assessments.
The Board approved the minutes of the September 27, 2011 Executive Session.
The Board had continued discussions regarding its recent foreclosure on the property legally described as Tract 31315, Lot 12, Unit 2 (APN #4382-029-088) for delinquent assessments, and discussed the pending litigation related to obtaining possession of the property from the occupant.
The Board had continued discussions regarding its foreclosure efforts against the property legally described as Tract 32229, Lot 6, Unit 8 (APN #4379-035-088) for delinquent assessments.
The Board discussed a matter of potential litigation related to a CC&Rs violation.
The Board closed a matter of potential Member discipline regarding a CC&Rs violation.
The Executive Session was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
